NICVA calls for action on racist attacks

Northern Ireland has been in denial about racism for far too long. We have sheltered behind notions that we are a friendly people who welcome strangers. The vicious racist attacks in Belfast over the last two months, and in Craigavon last October, shatter that myth.

NICVA condemns this violence and the people responsible for it, all the more so since there is evidence that the attacks are planned and co-ordinated.

"Many reports in recent years have shown that racism is a serious and growing problem ,” said NICVA chief executive, Seamus McAleavey. “Yet, little has been done about it. The government, police service, housing executive and other agencies need to give the protection of ethnic minorities and the arrest of racist thugs top priority. We urgently need tougher race crimes legislation and strict enforcement to signal that violence against Black and Asian families will not be tolerated .”

“It would be intolerable if private landlords reacted by discriminating against ethnic minorities as tenants. That would penalise the victims and do the racists’ work for them .”

NICVA believes we need to follow up with changes in public services and society generally to make clear we welcome the participation of ethnic minorities. We also need a public awareness campaign to promote tolerance and diversity in society. The voluntary and community sector, which exists to serve disadvantaged groups above all, also has a responsibility for racism.

“Local community groups have a special role in protecting and supporting ethnic minority residents. They should state publicly that they do not tolerate racism in any form ,” Mr McAleavey added.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Paul McGill, NICVA, 028 9087 7777 (w), 07721 746805 (m)

Seamus McAleavey, NICVA, 028 9087 7777 (w), 07785 278929 (m)